Application open for AY 2022-2023 Global UGRAD Program
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. Global UGRAD is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, and aims to recruit participants from underrepresented backgrounds who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. Successful applicants can expect an in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.
Students cannot choose their host institution and will be placed at the most appropriate host institution based on students’ academic interests. All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum. Participants will be required to take one, 3-credit U.S. studies course to enhance their understanding of the United States. Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers, and will be required to participate in twenty hours of community service. There will also be a virtual arrival orientation and an in-person end-of-program workshop.
Failure to meet the academic requirements of the university and UGRAD program (poor grades, failure to submit assignments or attend class) may result in dismissal from Global UGRAD. Participants must remain in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning in partnership with the Fulbright Commission in Nepal.
Program Eligibility
Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability.
The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone:
- Over 18 years of age by the start of their program
- Must be a citizen of Nepal
- Must be studying in Nepal
- Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only (first or second or third year full-time undergraduate study at the time of application at a registered academic institution in Nepal), having completed a minimum of their first semester of study. Participants must have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program. Applicants must demonstrate excellent educational standing
- Must have a solid command of written and spoken English (English Language training for some finalists is possible)
- A TOEFL score is not required at the time of application; however, a TOEFL score is required for participation in the program
- Able to begin studies in the U.S. in August 2022 (selected participants may not defer to a later date)
- Eligible to receive and maintain the U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program. Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program
- Should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities
- Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the United States or outside of their home countries
Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United State or any other country but Nepal
- Individuals currently residing or working outside of their home country
- Anyone who has already graduated from university
- Individuals who are younger than 18 years old
- Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government for a period of more than six weeks and who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application
- Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years;
- Local employees of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State during the period of their employment and for one year following the termination of employment
- Immediate family members of U.S. Department of State employees for a period of one year following the termination of such employment. This provision does not disqualify self-supporting members of families who live apart from their parents
- Current employees of affiliated cooperating agencies/consultants and their immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, and siblings) for a period of one year following the termination of such employment.
Application deadline: 11:59 PM January 6, 2022
